Efficacy of Qigong Exercise for Treatment of Fatigue: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Objective: Several studies suggested that Qigong exercise (QE) can relieve fatigue in patients diagnosed with various diseases. Our review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of QE for alleviating fatigue.Methods: A related literature search was performed in the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, China Biology Medicine disc (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, and VIP data bases from inception to November 2020. Information on fatigue, malaise, tiredness, and Qigong research data was collected.Results: Sixteen randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were reported in patients with cancer (n = 4), chronic fatigue syndrome (n = 2), and other diseases (n = 10). The QE groups showed significant improvements in total fatigue intensity [15 RCTs, p < 0.00001; standard mean difference (SMD) −0.69 (−0.95 to −0.44)]. The QE groups did not show significant improvement in quality of life [4 RCTs, p = 0.08; SMD 0.53 (−0.07 to 1.14)]. The statistically significant difference of the subgroup analyses (different primary diseases, QE types, and study quality) also remained unchanged.Conclusion: The findings of this meta-analysis indicate that QE may be beneficial for improving fatigue in patients diagnosed with various diseases. Considering the limitations of the study, we draw a very cautious conclusion regarding the resulting estimate of the effect. Further studies are warranted to better understand the benefits of QE in primary medical care.

"Qigong and the Treatment of Illness: Recent Case Studies"

“…Wang, et al [27] examined the results of 16 randomized control trials involving patients with cancer chronic fatigue syndrome and other diseases to determine whether qigong exercises had any effect on total fatigue intensity. They found that the qigong exercise group had significant improvement (p < 0.00001).…”

“…In the West, it is sometimes used in conjunction with mainstream medicine as a supplementary tool to treat symptoms of various diseases and ailments [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10]. Numerous studies have found that qigong can aid in the treatment of arthritis [11], back pain [12], cancer [13][14][15][16][17], cognitive impairment [18,19], Covid-19 [20,21], COPD [22], depression and anxiety [23][24][25][26], fatigue [27], hypertension [28,29], muscle strength and posture [30], Parkinson's disease [31,32], stroke [33], and tertiary-care pain management [34].…”

Effects of Yijinjing Qigongin Alleviating Fatigue, Sleep Quality, and Health Status on Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Randomized, Controlled, and Parallel Group Clinical Study

“…CAM encompasses a variety of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapies such as herbal remedies, acupuncture, and homeopathy [16]. Literature reviews provide evidence for the effectiveness of CAM therapy in relieving symptoms of CFS [17][18][19] and Qigong as a CAM modality that is commonly used in CFS treatment [20,21]. Qigong (pronounced: chee-gong) is a systematic mind/ body exercise with restorative benefits and potentiates the whole person.…”

Qigong Training Positively Impacts Both Posture and Mood in Breast Cancer Survivors With Persistent Post-surgical Pain: Support for an Embodied Cognition Paradigm

“…Qigong is a mind-body exercise originating in China which incorporates slow, coordinated movements, breath training, heightened somatic awareness, and mental focus and imagery ( Klein, 2017 ). Recent systematic reviews have suggested that Qigong may be beneficial for improving overall quality of life, mood, sleep, and symptoms such as fatigue in cancer patients ( Klein et al, 2016 ; Wayne et al, 2018 ; Kuo et al, 2021 ; Wang R. et al, 2021 ). In a pilot study conducted by our group—the parent study for the data presented here—we evaluated the impact of a 12-week Qigong intervention in BCS with PPSP.…”